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Richard Sladek is Chicago's "piano man," a player well known for his versatility and remarkable musicianship. He pulls out the holiday stops for Christmas Favorites, a celebratory bundle of 13 musical treats, including largely well-known seasonal tunes and a ragtime original "The Shepherd's Rag." This album is all about the man and his piano; it is an endearing portrait of the holidays seen through one amazing keyboard.

Christmas Favorites has a tone that is at once jazzy and upbeat, but also somewhat subdued. For example, the album opens with a pianissimo treatment of "O Christmas Tree," a simple single-note affair, then rolls seamlessly into a more rollicking swing. This duality is in evidence throughout. Some tracks like "What Child Is This" and "Silent Night" are soft-spoken and uniformly reverential; most, however, ratchet up the jazz-o-meter to varying degrees. "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is a veritable explosion of jazz--how many hands does this Sladek fellow have, anyway? When the pace lifts, the notes joyfully cascade, and listeners get caught up in the infectious swing. Sladek does a more classical turn on his closing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and ragtime aficionados will definitely get a kick out of "The Shepherd's Rag," which coolly incorporates holiday themes into a colorful ragtime context.

Richard Sladek's Christmas Favorites is a satisfying compilation of easy-listening, jazzy gems for the holiday season. If you care for a little piano during the dark hours of December, this album will brighten your spirits and gently embrace your attention in the most pleasing way.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the Web site:

Known for his exceptional versatility, Pianist Richard Sladek, of Chicago, has over 20 years experience performing concerts and at social events. Mr. Sladek's outstanding musicianship together with a sensitive emotional touch makes him a rare talent among pianists. He features an eclectic repertoire that is both extraordinary and unique.

RIchard Sladek

Christmas Favorites

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Track List